Know
Thyself
Know Thyself
Ayahuasca & Well-being Retreats in Brazil
5- and 8-day small-group retreats at Eden Sanctuary Retreat Center, in the mountains of Chapada Diamantina, Brazil.
A carefully structured experience combining Ayahuasca ceremonies, well-being practices, nature and personal support — with preparation before you arrive and integration after you return home.
What is Know Thyself?
Know Thyself is a 5- or 8-day Ayahuasca and well-being retreat held at Eden Sanctuary in Chapada Diamantina, Brazil.
The retreat combines traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies with meditation, breathwork, gentle yoga, nature, therapeutic practices and integration. Groups are limited to 12 participants, allowing our team to offer personal attention throughout the experience.
The 5-day retreat includes two Ayahuasca ceremonies, while the 8-day format includes three and allows more time between experiences for rest, reflection and integration.
At the heart of Know Thyself is a simple intention: to create genuine space for self-discovery. Away from everyday routines and distractions, there is time to look at your life from a different perspective, understand yourself more clearly, give attention to your emotional well-being and explore what may be asking for change.
We create the structure around that process — a safe and carefully prepared environment, experienced support, time in nature, meaningful practices and enough space to simply be with your own experience.
Preparation begins before you arrive through an individual consultation and health screening, and our support continues after the retreat with a personal integration session.
The Experience
Know Thyself is structured around several complementary parts. Ayahuasca ceremonies are at the center of the retreat, while the practices, nature, rest and time together help create a more complete and balanced experience around them.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Two ceremonies during the 5-day retreat and three during the 8-day retreat, held in our ceremonial space and guided by an experienced team.
Well-being Practices
Meditation, breathwork, gentle yoga, movement, music and cacao ceremony are woven throughout the retreat. Optional Kambô sessions are also offered, usually in the morning after the first activities of the day, as part of the retreat's traditional cleansing process.
Nature & Waterfalls
Guided walks through Vale do Capão, visits to rivers and waterfalls, and time outdoors between the more intensive parts of the retreat.
Therapeutic Spa
Sauna, herbal baths, clay therapy and restorative time in Eden's therapeutic spa.
Integration & Support
Integration happens through sharing circles, individual support, moments of intention-setting and time for personal reflection. But not everything is structured. Evenings around the fire, conversations, singing together, watching the stars or simply putting on music and dancing often arise naturally during the retreat.
These spontaneous moments of connection, joy and companionship are as much a part of the experience as the practices themselves.
5 Days or 8 Days
Know Thyself is offered in two formats. Both follow the same approach, are limited to 12 participants and include the core practices of the retreat. The main difference is the number of Ayahuasca ceremonies and the amount of time available for the experience to unfold.
Know Thyself · 5 Days
A more compact retreat with two Ayahuasca ceremonies and a complete program of well-being practices, nature, integration and rest.
The 5-day format works well for those who prefer a shorter immersion or need something easier to fit into their schedule.
5 days · 2 Ayahuasca ceremonies · Maximum 12 participants
Know Thyself · 8 Days
A more spacious format with three Ayahuasca ceremonies and additional time between them for rest, nature, practices and integration.
The longer rhythm gives the experience more room to develop gradually, without needing to fill every day with activities.
8 days · 3 Ayahuasca ceremonies · Maximum 12 participants
2026
26 – 30 August — Know Thyself · 5 days
1 – 8 October — Know Thyself · 8 days
29 October – 2 November — Know Thyself · 5 days
18 – 22 November — Know Thyself · 5 days
30 December – 3 January — Restart · New Year’s Retreat · 5 days
2027
7 – 11 January — Know Thyself · 5 days 8 – 12 February — Know Thyself · 5 days 24 – 31 March — Know Thyself · 8 days 21 – 25 April — Know Thyself · 5 days 4 – 8 August — Know Thyself · 5 days 6 – 10 September — Know Thyself · 5 days 6 – 13 October — Know Thyself · 8 days 2 – 6 November — Know Thyself · 5 days 15 – 19 November — Know Thyself · 5 days
The Rhythm of the Retreat
Each Know Thyself retreat follows a carefully prepared structure, while leaving enough flexibility to respond to the group, the ceremonies and the natural rhythm of the experience.
Arrival & Settling In
The first day is about arriving, meeting the group and team, getting familiar with Eden and leaving the journey behind.
We take a gentle walk to one of the nearest waterfalls — an easy and pleasant introduction to the nature of Vale do Capão. After travelling, airports, buses and busy routines, spending those first hours walking, swimming and simply being outdoors helps people settle into the place and gradually shift into the rhythm of the retreat.
Later, we come together for our opening circle and cacao ceremony. It is the first moment for the whole group to gather, get to know one another and consciously begin the retreat. We introduce the days ahead, share what has brought us here and take time to set personal intentions for the experience.
Mornings
On the mornings following an Ayahuasca ceremony, we begin the day with an integration session — a space to share, reflect and give some context to the experiences of the previous day.
On other mornings, the day may begin with meditation, breathwork, gentle yoga or movement, followed by breakfast and time to rest or enjoy the sanctuary.
Mornings are also open for optional Kambô sessions, usually offered from the second day until the final day of the retreat. Participants can choose which morning feels most appropriate for them.
Ceremony Days
Ceremony days begin gently, with practices such as yoga and breathwork, moments of sharing and time to prepare for the experience ahead.
Our Ayahuasca ceremonies usually begin between 2 and 3 PM and finish around 10 or 11 PM. For people familiar with the all-night ceremonies practiced in some Amazonian traditions, this may seem like an unusual schedule.
At Eden, however, this timing is intentional and has become an important part of the way we work.
Beginning in the afternoon allows participants to enter the ceremony rested and to finish at an hour that still leaves space for a full night's sleep. Over several days, this helps maintain a sustainable rhythm, with enough rest to continue with integration, practices and the retreat program the following morning without accumulating unnecessary exhaustion.
The afternoon also brings something very particular to ceremonies at Eden. We begin while there is still gentle daylight, and as the experience unfolds, the sun gradually lowers behind the landscape. From our ceremonial space, Morro Branco rises directly in front of Eden, catching the changing light and golden tones of the sunset.
Rather than entering immediately into darkness, participants have time to begin the ceremony surrounded by the garden, mountains and changing sky. This transition from daylight into sunset and eventually night creates a beautiful natural rhythm around the experience, with space for openness, contemplation and simply appreciating the extraordinary nature surrounding us.
Days Between Ceremonies
We usually alternate ceremony days with lighter days dedicated to integration, rest and simply enjoying where we are.
The morning begins with an integration session, followed by a more spacious rhythm. We may visit a waterfall or river, walk through the valley, spend time in Eden's therapeutic sauna, rest in the gardens or simply have time for ourselves.
These days also create more space for sharing and individual conversations with the team, as well as informal time together as a group.
In the evening, we often gather around a bonfire. Sometimes there is music and singing, sometimes dancing, long conversations or simply sitting together under the stars. These moments are not heavily programmed — they tend to arise naturally from the group and are an important part of the atmosphere of the retreat.
Departure & What Comes After
Before leaving, we bring the experience together through final reflection and integration. After returning home, each participant is also offered a personal integration session with our team.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Ayahuasca ceremonies are at the center of the Know Thyself retreat. The 5-day program includes two ceremonies, while the 8-day program includes three.
Ceremonies are held in Eden's Oca, a dedicated circular space opening directly onto a private garden. Each participant has their own place with a mattress, meditation chair, blankets and everything needed to remain comfortable throughout the experience. You are free to sit, lie down or spend some time outside in the garden.
The ceremonies are guided by Jorge, our principal ceremonial leader, with Paul, Martina, Diana and Isa present as part of the facilitation and support team. With groups limited to 12 participants, this means there are several experienced people available throughout the ceremony rather than one facilitator responsible for the entire group.
Each member of the team brings a different kind of experience to the space — from many years of ceremonial work to psychology, therapeutic support, music and retreat facilitation. The team remains attentive throughout the experience, available when someone needs individual support while also respecting the personal and inward nature of the process.
Music is an important part of our ceremonies. Live voice, instruments and carefully chosen music accompany different moments of the experience, while periods of quiet leave space for participants to remain with what is arising.
We don't expect everyone to experience Ayahuasca in the same way. A ceremony may bring strong emotions, memories, physical sensations, periods of introspection, clarity, beauty, discomfort — or sometimes something much quieter than expected. Our role is not to tell you what your experience should mean, but to provide a well-held environment in which you can move through it with support.
The medicine served at Eden comes from the Santo Daime community of Mapiá in the Brazilian Amazon and is prepared by an experienced master brewer with whom we maintain a direct, long-term relationship.
Safety Comes Before Participation
We take the responsibility of working with Ayahuasca seriously. You are welcome to reserve your place on the retreat, but participation in the Ayahuasca ceremonies is considered separately and requires a personal consultation and confidential health screening.
We ask about medical history, mental health, medications and other factors that may affect whether participation is appropriate. In some circumstances, this means we may advise someone not to participate in the ceremonies, even while they remain welcome to take part in the wider retreat program.
If you are considering Know Thyself, we strongly encourage you to read our Safety & Screening information. It explains our approach, contraindications, medication considerations, preparation and the support available during and after the retreat.
Your Home During the Retreat
Know Thyself takes place at Eden Sanctuary Retreat Center, our private retreat space in Vale do Capão, surrounded by the mountains and nature of Chapada Diamantina.
For the duration of the retreat, Eden becomes your home. Accommodation, meals, ceremonies, practices and therapeutic spaces are all within the sanctuary, with rivers, trails and waterfalls just beyond it.
Comfortable Accommodation
Eden offers a range of private and shared accommodation, from spacious private suites and chalets to comfortable rooms shared with a small number of other retreat participants.
During Know Thyself retreats, we intentionally keep shared rooms less occupied than their full capacity, giving everyone more personal space and comfort. Rooms are surrounded by the gardens and include the practical comforts needed for a longer stay, including hot showers, hot/cold air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
You can explore each accommodation individually, see photos and compare the different room options on the Eden Sanctuary website.
Food
Meals at Eden are healthy, balanced, and prepared with care — supporting a calm mind and a light, grounded body throughout the retreat. Our kitchen works with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers and markets whenever possible.
We welcome a variety of dietary preferences and offer thoughtful options to suit different needs. If you have specific restrictions or allergies, our team will do their best to support you with attention and care.
Ambience
Eden combines dedicated retreat spaces with the nature of Vale do Capão. The Oca, therapeutic spa, gardens, terraces and practice spaces are surrounded by mountains, with rivers, waterfalls and trails nearby.
There are places to practice and gather, as well as quiet corners to rest, read or simply spend some time on your own.
The People Behind Know Thyself
Jorge Seixas
Ceremonial Leader
Jorge is the principal ceremonial leader at Eden and guides the Ayahuasca ceremonies during our retreats. At 71, he brings more than two decades of experience serving Ayahuasca within his community. Originally from Marajó Island, in the Brazilian Amazon, Jorge has lived in Vale do Capão for the past 25 years. His life here combines a close relationship with nature and plant traditions with decades of study in Hermeticism, alchemy and esoteric medicine. Jorge is an initiate in the Santo Daime tradition, within the Unified Lineage of Chandra Lacombe. His experience with the medicine has developed through many years of practice, community life and ceremonial work. During retreats, Jorge is present not only for the ceremonies but throughout the wider experience. Participants have time to speak with him individually, ask questions and receive support when needed. His way of working is calm, direct and deeply grounded in experience — bringing both seriousness and a very human warmth to the ceremonial space.
Paul Mallon
Founder of Eden Santuário | Lead Facilitator
Paul is one of the first people you will speak with when considering a retreat at Eden. He responds personally to enquiries, arranges an individual call, guides participants through the intake and screening process, and remains closely involved throughout the retreat and integration that follows. During the retreat, Paul is the main facilitator. He guides meditation, breathwork and accessible yoga practices and accompanies the group throughout the daily program. During Ayahuasca ceremonies, he is part of the facilitation team, supporting participants alongside Jorge and the other ceremonial facilitators. Originally from London, Paul reached a point in his life when he wanted to step away from the conventional path and look for greater meaning and purpose. His journey eventually brought him to Brazil, which became the beginning of a very different direction in his life. His apprenticeship with Ayahuasca began in 2008 under the guidance of a native ayahuasquero and developed into three years of intensive training. In 2011, he became an initiate of the Santo Daime tradition in the Amazonian community of Mapiá. Eden itself is deeply connected to Paul's story. He conceived the project and personally designed and developed the sanctuary, shaping its buildings, gardens and spaces around the kind of retreat environment he wanted to create. In 2022, Eden officially opened as a permanent home for this work. Over more than 15 years, Paul has facilitated retreats and worked with participants in Brazil and Europe. Today, his role extends through the entire experience — from the first conversation with a potential participant to preparation, the retreat itself and the process of returning home afterward.
Martina Esperon
Retreat Facilitator & Ayurvedic Therapist
Martina accompanies participants throughout our retreats, offering support during Ayahuasca ceremonies, facilitating breathwork practices, guiding visits to waterfalls and being available for individual conversations and therapeutic treatments. Originally from Pergamino, Argentina, she studied Music Therapy at the University of Rosario before moving to Vale do Capão in 2012. Since then, she has trained and worked extensively with Ayurveda, developing her practice through individual treatments as well as retreats, courses and workshops. Her relationship with Ayahuasca began in 2016 with Alonso del Río in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where she spent nine months studying medicine songs and deepening her experience with ceremonial plant traditions. Having lived in Vale do Capão for more than a decade, Martina brings an intimate knowledge of the surrounding nature into her work. Her role at Eden moves naturally between retreat facilitation, individual care and creating personalized experiences for the people who stay with us.
Diana Oliveira
Retreat Facilitator & Psychologist
Diana accompanies participants throughout the retreat, with particular attention to emotional well-being and individual support. She is an integrative psychologist and neuropsychologist, trained in Psychology at the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, with further specialization in Jungian Psychotherapy. Before dedicating more of her work to therapeutic and group processes, she spent 15 years working as an organizational psychologist. Her relationship with Ayahuasca began in 2008 within the Santo Daime tradition, giving her many years of personal experience in ceremonial settings alongside her professional background in psychology. At Eden, Diana is present during the Ayahuasca ceremonies and remains available throughout the retreat for personal conversations and private integration when participants need additional support. She also offers Reiki and aromatherapy sessions and, alongside Paul, facilitates the Kambô sessions offered during our retreats. More recently, Diana's work has also included facilitating women's groups focused on self-knowledge, emotional processes and the Sacred Feminine. Her combination of psychological training, long-term familiarity with Ayahuasca traditions and attentive presence makes her particularly valuable during moments when participants may feel emotionally vulnerable or need more individual support.
Isabel Cardona Colina
Music & Ceremonial Facilitator
Isa joins the retreat for the Ayahuasca ceremonies and cacao ceremony, bringing music, voice and percussion into these important moments of the program. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, she has lived in Brazil since 2013. She is a singer, percussionist, composer, voice coach and improviser with more than 20 years of professional experience working with music and collective practices. Isa is the creator of CantaqueteCura (“Sing for Your Healing”), a project exploring voice, improvisation and collective singing as forms of expression, connection and well-being. Her work includes musical initiation, vocal expression, circle music and therapeutic musical practices. Over the years, she has performed and facilitated musical experiences across Latin America and Europe, developing a way of working in which music is not simply a performance, but something created and experienced together. At Eden, this is particularly present during the cacao ceremony, which Isa leads through music, voice and collective participation. She also supports the Ayahuasca ceremonies through live music and attentive presence alongside the ceremonial team.
Day-by-Day Program
Before & After the Retreat
The retreat itself lasts 5 or 8 days, but our contact with you begins before you arrive at Eden and continues after you return home.
Before You Arrive
Before the retreat, you will have an individual conversation with our team and complete a confidential health questionnaire. This is where we discuss your health history, medications, previous experiences and any questions you may have about participating in the Ayahuasca ceremonies.
Around two weeks before arrival, you will receive our preparation guide with information about diet, medications and substances, what to bring, clothing for ceremonies and other practical details.
You will also have time to begin thinking about your intention and what you would like to give attention to during the retreat.
After You Return Home
Integration begins at Eden, particularly through the sessions following each ceremony, but it doesn't necessarily end when the retreat does.
After returning home, each participant is offered a personal integration session with our team. It is a chance to talk about what has stayed with you, what may have become clearer with some distance, and how your experience relates to everyday life.
If further professional support would be appropriate, we will always encourage you to seek it rather than trying to work beyond the scope of our team.
Guest Experiences
Every person arrives at Know Thyself with a different story, intention and reason for being here — and naturally, no two retreat experiences are the same.
Rather than trying to describe those experiences for them, we prefer to let our guests speak in their own words.
I feel so much gratitude to become who I actually am. I hope that everyone has this reminder that in the deep darkness there is always light.
And wherever you are right now, you just need to surrender and breathe through it...
And time will pass and things will settle themselves how they need to be.
- Gera, Germany
“My experience at Eden went far beyond my expectations. The beautiful nature allowed me to deeply connect with my Ayahuasca journey. I’d recommend Know Thyself and Eden to anyone on a path of self-exploration — it truly changed my life for the better.”
- Millie Twigger, United Kingdom
You can also read more experiences shared independently by previous guests on Google and BookRetreats.
Prices & What’s Included
The retreat price covers your stay at Eden and the complete Know Thyself program, including preparation before arrival and integration afterwards.
A Note About Ayahuasca
No commercial value is placed on Ayahuasca itself. The medicine is not sold or priced per ceremony. Your contribution is for the retreat as a whole — including accommodation, meals, facilities, practices, organization, preparation, integration and the work of the team throughout the program.
Ayahuasca is received and served within its ritual context, with respect for its origin and tradition.
Know Thyself · 5 Days
€630
4 nights shared accommodation · All meals · Full retreat program
2 Ayahuasca ceremonies · Maximum 12 participants
Know Thyself · 8 Days
€950
7 nights shared accommodation · All meals · Full retreat program
3 Ayahuasca ceremonies · Maximum 12 participants
2026
26 – 30 August — Know Thyself · 5 days
1 – 8 October — Know Thyself · 8 days
29 October – 2 November — Know Thyself · 5 days
18 – 22 November — Know Thyself · 5 days
30 December – 3 January — Restart · New Year’s Retreat · 5 days
2027
7 – 11 January — Know Thyself · 5 days 8 – 12 February — Know Thyself · 5 days 24 – 31 March — Know Thyself · 8 days 21 – 25 April — Know Thyself · 5 days 4 – 8 August — Know Thyself · 5 days 6 – 10 September — Know Thyself · 5 days 6 – 13 October — Know Thyself · 8 days 2 – 6 November — Know Thyself · 5 days 15 – 19 November — Know Thyself · 5 days
Accommodation Options
The standard retreat price includes shared accommodation.
If you are joining the retreat with your partner, a friend or a family member, you can stay together in a private room at the standard retreat price, subject to availability.
If you are travelling alone and would prefer a private room, private accommodation is available as an upgrade.
Not Included
Flights and travel to Eden are not included in the retreat price. We can, however, help organize your journey from Salvador, including private transfer directly to Eden.
Practical Information
A little planning makes the journey to Eden much easier. Here are the main things to consider before arranging your trip.
Visa Requirements — Please Check Before Booking Your Flight
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Brazil.
Please check the current entry requirements for your passport before purchasing your flights. Airlines may refuse boarding if you do not have the required travel authorization, even if your retreat reservation is confirmed.
Visa requirements can change, so we recommend checking directly with the Brazilian government or the Brazilian consulate responsible for your country rather than relying on older information online.
Check Official Brazilian Visa Requirements →
Getting to Eden
For international guests, the main gateway is Salvador International Airport (SSA).
From Salvador, you can reach Eden in two main ways:
Private transfer
Door-to-door transportation from Salvador Airport directly to Eden Sanctuary. We can organize this for you in advance.
Bus + taxi
Travel by comfortable intercity bus from Salvador to Palmeiras, followed by a taxi from Palmeiras directly to Eden. We are happy to help you organize the journey and provide the necessary travel information before your arrival.
Arrival & Departure
We recommend planning your journey so you can arrive at Eden with enough time to settle in before the retreat begins. Your arrival and departure information, including recommended times, will be provided after booking.
If you would like to spend more time in Chapada Diamantina, you can also arrive before the retreat or extend your stay at Eden afterwards, subject to availability.
What to Bring
Before your retreat, you will receive a complete preparation and packing guide.
If you have any questions about travelling to Brazil or reaching Eden, our team can help you plan the practical details before your journey.
FAQ
Every journey begins with clarity.
Do I need previous experience with Ayahuasca?
No. Many participants join Know Thyself without previous experience. What matters is that you understand the nature of the retreat, complete our health screening and have an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with us beforehand.
Is participation in the Ayahuasca ceremonies mandatory?
No. Reserving your place on the retreat does not automatically mean that you must participate in every ceremony. Participation is considered individually and depends on our health screening and consultation as well as your own decision.
What language is the retreat held in?
Know Thyself is facilitated in both English and Portuguese. Our team is accustomed to working with international and Brazilian participants within the same group.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Many participants travel to Eden on their own. The retreat is intentionally limited to a small group, and there is a natural balance between time together and personal space throughout the program.
Can couples, friends or family members come together?
Yes. People who book together can stay in a private room at the standard retreat price, subject to availability.
Can I have a private room if I am travelling alone?
Yes. The standard price includes shared accommodation, but private accommodation for solo guests can be booked as an upgrade, subject to availability.
Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes. Please tell us about your dietary requirements in advance so our kitchen can prepare accordingly. We can accommodate vegetarian diets and many common dietary restrictions.
Can I arrive before the retreat or stay longer afterwards?
Yes, subject to availability. Some guests choose to spend additional time at Eden before or after the retreat to rest or explore Chapada Diamantina.
How do I know whether Ayahuasca is appropriate for me?
Before participating in the ceremonies, you will complete a confidential health questionnaire and have a personal consultation with our team. Certain health conditions and medications can make Ayahuasca inappropriate or unsafe.
Please read our Safety & Screening information carefully before participating.
Ready to Join Us?
If you feel Know Thyself may be right for you, you can explore the upcoming retreat dates and choose the format that works best for you.
If you still have questions — about Ayahuasca, health considerations, the program, accommodation or travelling to Eden — you are welcome to speak with us before making a decision.
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